Joe Walsh On Glen Frey and The Eagles Touring in 2017

Paul Fitzgerald

June 6, 2017

After founding Eagles singer Glenn Frey’s untimely death in January 2016, it looked unlikely that the band would ever play live again, so fans were excited when the legendary rockers announced that they will be headlining The Classic West and The Classic East concerts in July. Now, Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh is sharing some details about the group’s decision to return to the stage.

“Don Henley and I, and the Frey family and our management, have been throwing some stuff around. And that is, if The Eagles were to play live again, what would that be?” explains Walsh. “And we think we’ve come up with an idea on a way for us to go out and play our music.”

He adds, “There’s no way you can replace Glenn, of course, but we think we have a way [to perform live]. So, we’re gonna try it [at The Classic East] in New York and [at The Classic West] in Los Angeles.”

Walsh adds that “if it works, which it will, we’ll look at playing some more shows.”

The Eagles’ performances at The Classic West and The Classic East are scheduled for July 15 and July 29, respectively. Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers also will perform at the shows.

Walsh currently is serving as the special guest on Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers’ 40th anniversary tour this summer.

“It’s working out great,” says Walsh of his stint as Petty and company’s opening act. “It’s a lovely evening of music, and I think it’s a great pair-up.”